Humidifier



March 2, 1965 R. w. MGDUFFEE 3,171,401

HUMIDIFIER Filed Jan. I4, 1963 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 United States Patent O 3,171,401 HUMIDFIER Robert W. McDuiee, Wheaton, Ill., assignor to McDuiee Bros., Inc., North Aurora, Ill., a corporation of Illinois Filed Jan. 14, 1963, Ser. No. 251,116 6 Claims. (Ci. 126-413) This invention relates to improvements in apparatus for conditioning air such as is used in conjunction with Warm air furnace systems to produce and maintain desirable moisture conditions in rooms or other enclosures heated by said furnace.

The general object of the present invention is to provide an improved air conditioning device adapted for use with various air heating means to produce and maintain a desired moisture content in the heated air.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved apparatus for use in humidifying air passing through a warm air furnace system Which apparatus is constructed and arranged so that the path of flow of dry air is directed directly through a wet humidifying element to obtain the optimum rate of humidification of such air.

Another object of the invention is to provide an irnproved apparatus for use in humidifying air passing through a warm air furnace system which apparatus is constructed and arranged so that a substantial portion of air passing through the system is directed directly through a wet humidifying element by means of the blower or air circulating means of the furnace.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an improved humidifier apparatus which is constructed and arranged so that it can be disposed in a furnace system in such manner that Warm air from the Warm air plenum of the furnace is made to pass through the humidifier to pick up substantial amounts of water vapor.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved humidifier apparatus which is constructed and arranged so that air to be humidiied or humidified air can be made to enter or discharge from the humidifier at the bottom, top, or either side thereof.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description and appended claims taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views.

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the front portions of the humidifier apparatus of the invention showing the parts thereof in assembled condition.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a unitary form of the humidifier apparatus of the invention showing the humidifying elemnt and water distribution pan removed therefrom and further showing the manner in which these parts are assembled in the apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a modified form of the humidifier apparatus of the invention without the humidifying element or Water distribution pan in place and illustrating an embodiment of the apparatus wherein it is formed in two separate parts which are adapted for rotation relative to each other.

FIG. 4 is a plan viewv of the water distribution pan of the humidifying apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a perspective View of the two members which are interiorly disposed on each side of the humidifier housing to accommodate the humidifying filter element.

FIGURES 6 and 7 show diagrammatically the humidifier apparatus of the invention attached to a warm-air furnace and illustrate that the humidifier can be attached to either the warm-air plenum or cold-air return plenum of the furnace.

Referring to the drawings, a humidifier unit 10 embodying the principles of the invention comprises a housing vapor.

3,171,401 Patented Mar. 2, 1965 ICC 11 fabricated of metal such as stainless steel or other suitable material which can be varied in size depending upon the size and type of furnace system with which it is used. In order to achieve maximum surface area for moisture pick-up, housing 11 is preferably constructed with a square duct 13 through which the dry air enters or the humidified air discharges from the unit depending upon how the unit is mounted with respect to the direction of dry air flow. Planar flanges 14 (which include fianges 14a, 14h, 14c and 14d) surrounding duct 13 are provided to permit ready attachment of the humidifier unit to the wall of the furnace or duct work system by means of screws or the like. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, air duct opening 15 is provided at one side of the humidifier unit for admission of dry air into the unit or for discharge of humidified air depending upon positioning of the unit in the furnace system with respect to direction of air iiow. The construction of the present humidifier is such that the dry air to be humidified can enter opening 15 in which case this opening is the dry air inlet and the humidified air can discharge through duct 13 or in this case discharge duct 13. If desired, the air flow can be reversed and the dry air enter duct 13 and humidified air discharge from the humidifier through opening 15. The opening 15, which for purposes of description will be referred to as the dry air inlet, can be disposed on either side of the humidifier, or at the bottom or top thereof depending upon the direction of dry air fiow and the positioning of the unit within the furnace system. In one embodiment as shown in FIG. 2, the air inlet 15 comprises a removable panel, such as top panel 17, bottom panel 1S or side panel 19 which panels can be attached to humidier casing 11 by means of screws or the like and removed as desired to form the dry air inlet. In another embodiment, the humidifier casing 11 can be formed in two parts capable of being joined as illustrated in FIG. 3. In this construction the casing 11 is of square shape and is comprised of a first element 20 which includes the discharge duct 13 and a second element 21 which is removably attached thereto in telescopic manner by means of screws or by frictional engagement by means of flanges 49 and 50 and so forth. One side of element 21 is pro vided with the air inlet 15 and by disassembling and rotation of the elements relative to each other the duct 15 can be disposed on either side, or at the top or bottom of the humidifier.

Interiorly disposed on opposite sides of the casing 11 are inserts 22 and 23 which are generally U-shaped in cross section and having longitudinally extending channels 24 and 25 in which an evaporating filter element 28 is slidably inserted and retained in place. Preferably the channel inserts 22 and 23 are adjustably secured to the casing by nuts and bolts received in slot 4Z or in any other manner which will permit their longitudinal adjustment for a purpose as will be explained hereinafter. The inserts 22 and 23 are provided at the top thereof with laterally projectingA fianges 26 and 27 respectively.

Interposed between the dry air inlet and humidified air discharge duct 13 is a humidifying filter element or evaporating filter 28 composed of a porous, air-penetrable material which can be maintained in wet condition and through which the dry air is passed to pick up water For example, expanded metal sheets or other materials such as glass wool, ceramics, nylon or charcoal materials can be assembled so as to form a filter element satisfactory for use. The evaporating filter 28 corresponds substantially in shape and size to the air discharge duct 13 to insure that the dry air passes directly through the system but is not excessively thick so as to seriouslyimpede or obstruct air flow through the humidifier. Generally, with an evaporating filter composed of extrudedY strands of aluminum intertwinedV to produce a honeycomb effe'ct, athi'ckness of about 2 inches'is satisfactory and suitable. Thev humidifying; filter element or" evaporating filter 28 can be fabricated of 'any suitable. airp'enetrable, preferably non-rusting material, vcapable of being maintainedv in a wet condition. a

A slot 29. extends across the top of the casing 11 through which the. evaporating filter 28 is inserted .into channels 24 and 25 formed` by the inserts 22' andY 23. of

U-shaped cross section. An elongated water distribution pan 30 is adapted to fit Within slot 29'and is. supported therein by means of the ears 31 and 32 which rest on the horizontal fianges 26 and 27 provided on the top of the inserts 22 and 23 respectively. The pan 30 should be maintained level for proper distribution of the water over substantially the entire area of the evaporating filter pad and this can be done by raising or lowering-either of the inserts 22 and 23 and'locking them in the desired )position on the casing 11 by means of nuts and bolts or charging through discharge duct 13. The water level in section 38 of water distiibution pan 30 is continually replenished lfrom Water supply line 36 in response to a signal from a hrnid'istat or other control means. The water after passing throughv the V-shapedf notches 35 in the weir34 escapes through the ports. 37 onto the evaporating filter 28. Excess water which is not retained by the evaporating filter 28 ldrains therefrom and carries away mineral deposits' and is permitted to escape through drainpipe 41.

As seen, a-substantial airflow produced by the furnace blower is caused to pass directly through and in kintimate contact with the, wet humidifying filter pad 28 thereby obtaining good humidification of substantial quantities of air passing through the system. Due to the increased efficiency of humidification ofV the` present humidifier, it can be of smaller size than those normally required for reliable humidifying capacity toffill the vapor needs for small or largegroom's or enclosures. The humidifier is exceptionally fiexible and is capable of mounting in various positions so that either warm air or. cold vair can be humidifred depending upon the circumstances. The construction` of the humidifier is such that` it can be installed in the furnace system in any desired position for up-fiow,

spaced ports 37 are provided in theV bottom of pan 430 `on 'one side of the center strip 34 through which the water fiows onto the evaporating filter 28. The water is normally supplied to a water reservoir 38 behind the Weir 34, that is, on the side of the weir having a solid bottom. Water fiow through conduit 36 isr regulated by conventional fiow regulating means. Since the water fiow reguso that'mineral deposits which tend to accumulate on the evaporating filter 28 are removed by the excess water.

Upstanding fianges 45 and 46 together with bottom 44'V form a sump for collection of Water drainingfrom an evaporating filter 28. y

In operation, the humidifier can be mounted in a warm air furnace system in such manner that warm air from the hot air plenum of the furnace Venters the dry Vair inlet 15 of the humidifier, As previously indicated, the humidifier can be mounted so vthat the direction of air flow is reversed with the dry warm air entering the duct 13. For purposes of description, it will be assumed thatA the direction of air flow isy such that dry air enters Vinlet 15.

part of'wlich having a duct 'opening therein for cofn=` munication withY the furnace. system, planar fiange means on said first part surrounding said,ductopening on four sides thereof by which the first part can be secured to the furnace system, an evaporatingfilter element mounted adfurnace system whichv includes means to circulate heated' jacent to said duct opening, Water distribution means disposed aboveY said evaporating filter element for delivery of water thereto, the second part of said housing being constructed for telescopic fit` within said` first part, said second part of saidl housing having a duct opening in one side thereof and being constructed for rotation with respect to said first part of the housing whereby the duct opening in saidA second. part can. bevariously disposedat 90 anglesv relative to the duct opening in said first part of said housing. and mcansfto-Vsupply water Vto Vsaid water distribution means.

, 2.v A humidifier apparatusy adapted for use with a air, humidifier apparatus,y comprising a housing adapted for attachment-to the furnace system, an inlet? in said housing for admission of dry air" into the interior thereof, an outlet in said housing for discharge of humidijfied air, support means including av pair of generally Mounting of the humidifier on the-furnacewallor furnace. Y

duct systemis accomplished by rattaching flanges 14 thereto by screws or the like.V The humidifier is mounted sofas toY provide communication between vthe warm vair plenum and the cold air return plenum with the flow of air naturally being from' hot to cold. The air inlet 15 of the humidifier can be positioned on either side or at the" vdryrair inlet'and; humidified' air discharge outlet, a water 'distribution pan supported by the upper ends of said channel-shaped insert elements in position above said evaporating filter'. element for delivery of Vwater thereto and means-for supplying water to said lwater distribution. pan, the channel-shaped inserts of said support' means f being individuallyy vertically adjustable'to enableleveling bottom or the top panel of the humidifier casing with.

the only' requirement being that it be spaced fromrthe discharge' duct 13 and permit the evaporating filter 28 to .Y be interposed therebetween. Withv this construction and:

of said waterdistribution pan. i

3. A humidifier apparatus adapted for use with a furnace system whichjincludes means to circulate heated air, said humidifier apparatus comprising a housing having affixed thereto a/planar flangev by. means of which the apparatus can be attached to the furnace system, an inlet in saidY housing forv admission of dry'air'into the interior. thereof;V an outlet in said' housing' for discharge of humidified air, support means including a pair of generally channel-shaped inserts movably attached to the opposite interior walls of said housing, an evaporating filter element retained by said channel-shaped inserts in position between said dry inlet and humidified air discharge outlet, a water distribution pan supported by said channelshaped elements in position above said evaporating filter element for delivery of water thereto and means for supplying water to said water distribution pan, the channel-shaped inserts of said support means being individually vertically adjustable to enable leveling of said water distribution pan.

4. A humidifier apparatus adapted for use with a furnace system which includes means to circulate heated air, said humidifier apparatus comprising a housing of generally square cross section constructed in two parts, the first part of which having a duct opening therein cornmunicating with said furnace for admission of dry air or discharge of humidified air, planar fiange means on said first part surrounding said duct opening on four sides thereof by which the first part can be secured to the furnace system, support means including a pair of generally channel-shaped inserts adjustably attached to opposite interior walls of said first part, an evaporating filter element retained by said channel-shaped inserts in position adjacent said opening in said first part, a water distribution pan supported by said channel-shaped elements in position above said evaporating filter element for delivery of water thereto, the second part of said housing being constructed for telescopic fit within said first part, said second part of said housing having a duct opening in one side thereof and being constructed for rotation with respect to said first part of said housing whereby the duct opening in said second part can be variously disposed at 90 angles relative to the duct opening in said first part of said housing, and means to supply water to said Water distribution pan, the channel-shaped inserts of said support means being individually vertically adjustable to enable leveling of said water distribution pan.

5. A humidifier `apparatus adapted for use with a furnace system which includes means to circulate heated air, said humidifier apparatus comprising a housing adapted for attachment to the furnace system, a first opening in said housing for admission lof dry air into the interior thereof, a second opening in said housng for discharge of humidified air, said housing having a slot extending substantially across the top side thereof adjacent one of said openings, support means including a pair of generally channel-shaped inserts adjustably attached to opposite interior walls of said housing, an evaporating filter element retained by said channel-shaped inserts in position between said openings in said housing, a water distribution pan supported by said channel-shaped insert elements in position above said evaporating filter element for delivery of water thereto and means for supplying water to said water distribution pan, the channel-shaped inserts of said support means being individually vertically adjustable to enable leveling of said Water distribution pan.

6. A humidifier apparatus adapted for use with a furnace system which includes means to circulate heated air, said humidifier apparatus comprising a housing of generally square cross section constructed in two parts, the first part of which having a duct opening therein communicating with said furnace system for admission of dry air or discharge of humidified air, planar fiange means on said first part surrounding said duct opening on four sides by which the said first part can be attached to the furnace system, a slot extending substantially across the top of said first part, support means including a pair of generally channel-shaped inserts adjustabl-y attached to opposite interior Walls of said first part, an evaporating filter element retained by said channel-shaped inserts in position adjacent the opening in said first part, a water distribution pan disposed within said slot in said first part of the housing above said evaporating filter element, the second part of said housing being constructed for attachment to said first part, said second part of said housing having a duct opening in one side thereof and being constructed for rotation with respect to said first part of said housing whereby the duct opening in said second part of the housing can be variously disposed at angles relative t0 the opening in said first part of said housing, means to supply water to said water distribution pan, the channelshaped inserts of said support means being individually vertically adjustable to enable leveling of said water distribution pan.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 826,676 7/06 Magee 126-119 849,568 4/07 Pawley 261-97 2,268,540 l/42 Andrews 126-113 2,424,927 7/47 Garvey et al. 126-113 2,582,071 1/52 Schultz 126-114 X 2,637,540 5/53 Rowe.

2,670,941 3/54 Feinberg 261-97 X 2,838,130 6/58 Lemmon 261-97 X FOREIGN PATENTS 635,136 1/62 Canada.

JAMES W. WESTHAVER, Primary Examiner. 

2. A HUMIDIFIER APPARATUS ADAPTED FOR USE WITH A FURNACE SYSTEM WHICH INCLUDES MEANS TO CIRCULATE HEATED AIR, SAID HUMIDIFIER APPARATUS COMPRISING A HOUSING ADAPTED FOR ATTACHMENT TO THE FURNACE SYSTEM, AN INLET IN SAID HOUSING FOR ADMISSION OF DRY AIR INTO THE INTERIOR THEREOF, AN OUTLET IN SAID HOUSING FOR DISCHARGE OF HUMIDIFIED AIR, SUPPORT MEANS INCLUDING A PAIR OF GENERALLY CHANNEL-SHAPED INSERTS ATTACHED TO OPPOSITE INTERIOR WALLS OF SAID HOUSING, AN EVAPORATING FILTER ELEMENT RETAINED BY SAID CHANNEL-SHAPED INSERTS IN POSITION BETWEEN SAID DRY AIR INLET AND HUMIDIFIED AIR DISCHARGE OUTLET, A WATER DISTRUBUTION PAN SUPPORTED BY THE UPPER ENDS OF SAID CHANNEL-SHAPED INSERTS ELEMENTS OF SAID SUPPORT MEANS EVAPORATING FILTER ELEMENT FOR DELIVERY OF WATER THERETO AND MEANS FOR SUPPLYING WATER TO SAID WATER DISTRIBUTION PAN, THE CHANNEL-SHAPED INSERTS OF SAID SUPPORT MEANS BEING INDIVIDUALLY VERTICALLY ADJUSTABLE TO ENABLE LEVELING OF SAID WATER DISTRIBUTION PAN. 